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Ocean City, New Jersey’s two theaters are for sale

OCEAN CITY, NJ — This resort’s two remaining theaters, the Moorlyn and the Strand, have reportedly been listed for sale by their owner, Frank Theatres, for $5.5 million each. Frank intends to operate both Boardwalk houses for the 2011 summer season.

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During my childhood, in the 60’s and 70’s, there were nothing but theatres along the entire Jersey shore from Long Branch to Cape May. Now there are but a few. I truely hope someone comes in to save these 2 remaining theatres from what surely would be the wrecking ball.

Frank Theatres sure seems to be in the midst of a major overhaul of its operations. Just a few months ago, they acquired the assets of the Sunrise chain in the Fort Lauderdale/Miami area, (though apparently having to give one of those up). Then they acquired the Tilton 9 in Northfield, NJ. And, as as far as I know, there is still that ongoing sad saga of the Beach 4 in Cape May. It sure looks to me that they are getting rid of their older classic theaters in favor acquiring some seasoned but profitable multiplexes elsewhere.

That and perhaps they want to operate theaters with a full running season, although Moorlyn had been upgraded to stadium seating years back. Perhaps here’s the place to ask this question: Franks seems to be (correct me if I’m wrong) a real estate investment company – there was a relationship with Hoyts who I believe used to run the Frank’s flagship the Towne 16 and the Strand. What was the deal with Hoyts/Frank Theaters? (they also interestingly enough finished a Hoyts in Bayonne – the South Cove Cinema 12 which seems to really only be a 10-plex). Hopefully we can pool our collective knowledge here and try to figure out what the deal is with Frank Theaters….

There was this news item last year about the company’s operating a rebuilt, former Regal operation in Murrells Inlet, SC http://cinematreasures.org/news/24713_0_1_0_C/, and also I recall a press release about then planning a major foray into Pennsylvania.

Here’s an interesting description of one of their theaters – which sounds like a work in progress never finished: /theaters/12337/

I’ve only ever been to their Towne 16 which I found odd because the aisle stairs of the stadium seating weren’t carpeted but the whole Handicap row at the median was. The stairs/aisle portion was just tiled.

They also were going to co-operate (with Muvico) the Fredricksville, VA theater Paragon opened with the Muvico brand. Several other sites they pitch never seem to pan out/open – and oddly they claim to have a development they’re working on in Syracuse, NY – an odd out of market expansion.

local cinemas and theaters bring the locals and visitors into town for shopping and dinner.
Couple these facts along with a rise in sales taxes plus helping the employment situation, etc., it would be foolish to loose these two historic gems!

Can we name any other seasonal multiplexes? The Jersey shore is unique in towns really do shut down (except Atlantic City) for the winter – your lucky if a few arcades and maybe a restaurant or two are open at some beaches during the winter.